Solicitation 12805B24R0004.pdf

SOLICITATION, OFFER,

AND AWARD

2. TYPE OF SOLICITATION

6. PROJECT NO. 4. CONTRACT NO. 5. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO.

PAGE OF PAGES

7. ISSUED BY CODE 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO

SOLICITATION

(Construction, Alteration, or Repair)

1. SOLICITATION NO. 3. DATE ISSUED

IMPORTANT -- The "offer" section on the reverse must be fully completed by offeror.

9.

INFORMATION

a. NAME b. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder."

CALL:

FOR

SEALED BID (IFB)

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

USDA ARS PA AAO ACQ/PER PROP

2150 CENTRE AVENUE

BLDG D, SUITE 300

FORT COLLINS CO 80526

ARS-12805B

KELLY WRIGHT 785-477-9189

1x 05/04/2024

12805B24R0004

10. THE GOVERNMENT REQUIRES PERFORMANCE OF THE WORK DESCRIBED IN THESE DOCUMENTS (Title, identifying no., date)

A. Plains Area multiple award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contract.

B. Competition is set aside for Total Small Business. Applicable NAICS code is

238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors.

C. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 36.204 the magnitude of this construction project is more than $10,000,000.

D. Prospective offerors shall be registered with System for Award Management(SAM) with an active registration at the time of solicitation closing.

11. The Contractor shall begin performance within

12a. THE CONTRACTOR MUST FURNISH ANY REQUIRED PERFORMANCE AND PAYMENT BONDS?

award, notice to proceed. The performance period is mandatory negotiable. (See ________________________________________________.)

13. ADDITIONAL SOLICITATION REQUIREMENTS:

a. Emailed offers is not required.is, b. An offer guarantee

c. All offers are subject to the (1) work requirements, and (2) other provisions and clauses incorporated in the solicitation in full text or by reference.

(date). If this is a sealed bid solicitation, offers will be publicly opened at that time. Sealed envelopes containing offers shall be marked to show the offeror's name and address, the solicitation number, and the date and time offers are due.

d. Offers providing less than

12b. CALENDAR DAYSYES NO

(If "YES", indicate within how many calendar days after award in Item 12b.)

0 0 calendar days and complete it within ________________ ________________ calendar days after receiving

06/03/2024

NSN 7540-01-155-3212

x x x x copies to perform the work required are due at the place specified in Item 8 by _____________ ___________________ (hour) local time calendar days for Government acceptance after the date offers are due will not be considered and will be rejected . _________________

STANDARD FORM 1442 (Rev. 8/2014)

Prescribed by GSA

FAR(48 CFR) 53.236-1(d)

17. The offeror agrees to perform the work required at the prices specified below in strict accordance with the terms of this solicitation, if this offer is accepted by the Government in writing within ____________________ calendar days after the date offers are due. (Insert any number equal to or greater than the minimum requirement stated in item 13d. Failure to insert any number means the offeror accepts the minimum in item 13d.)

14. NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Include ZIP Code) 15. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

16. REMITTANCE ADDRESS (Include only if different than item 14.)

CODE FACILITY CODE

AMOUNTS

18. The offeror agrees to furnish any required performance and payment bonds.

19. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amendments to the solicitation -- give number and date of each)

AMENDMENT NO.

DATE.

20a. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER (Type or print) 20b. SIGNATURE 20c. OFFER DATE

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

21. ITEMS ACCEPTED:

22. AMOUNT 23. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

24. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

ITEM 25. OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION PURSUANT TO

26. ADMINISTERED BY CODE 27. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CONTRACTING OFFICER WILL COMPLETE ITEM 28 OR 29 AS APPLICABLE

(Contractor is required to sign this document and return (Contractor is not required to sign this document.)

Your offer on this solicitation is hereby accepted as to the items listed. This award consummates the contract, which consists of (a) the Government solicitation and your offer, and (b) this contract award.

No further contractual document is necessary.

30a. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTOR OR PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (Type or print) 31a. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

30b. SIGNATURE 30c. DATE 31b. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 31c. DATE

BY

2PAGE OF

USDA ARS PA AAO ACQ/PER PROP

2150 CENTRE AVENUE

BLDG D, SUITE 300

FORT COLLINS CO 80526

ARS-12805B

JOSHUA A. KEADLE

28. NEGOTIATED AGREEMENT 29. AWARD

Contractor agrees to furnish and deliver all items or perform all work requirements identified on this form and any continuation sheets for the consideration stated in this contract. The rights and obligations of the parties to this contract shall be governed by (a) this contract award, (b) the solicitation, and (c) the clauses, representations, certifications, and specifications incorporated by reference in or attached to this contract.

copies to issuing office.)

10 U.S.C. 2304(c) 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)

STANDARD FORM 1442 (REV. 8/2014) BACK

Continued...

ITEM NO.

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 63

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

12805B24R0004

Delivery: 07/31/2029

Delivery Location Code: ARS-128200

PA OFFICE OF THE AREA DIRECTOR

OFFICE OF THE AREA DIRECTOR

2150 CENTRE AVENUE, BLDG D, STE 300

FORT COLLINS CO 80526 US

Period of Performance: 08/01/2024 to 07/31/2029

0001 Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) MATOC

IDIQ Ordering Period

Product/Service Code: Z1AA

Product/Service Description: MAINTENANCE OF

OFFICE BUILDINGS

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

Solicitation 12805B24R0004

MEP MATOC IDIQ

SECTION B- SUPPLIES AND SERVICES AND PRICE/COST

B.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has a requirement for a Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract (IDIQ) to provide Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) for repair and maintenance, alteration, and/or new modernization construction projects for its research laboratory facilities located throughout the Plains Area.

Locations include: Akron, CO, Fort Collins, CO, Miles City, MT, Sidney, MT, Brookings, SD, Clay Center, NB, Lincoln, NB, Fargo, ND, Grand Forks, ND, Mandan, ND, El Reno, OK, Las Cruces, NM, Manhattan, KS, Stillwater, OK, Woodward, OK, Bushland TX, College Station, TX, Houston, TX, Kerrville, TX, Lubbock, TX, and Temple, TX.

Contractors shall be required to perform numerous projects simultaneously throughout the region.

B.2 Minimum Guarantee

The Government will obligate the minimum guarantee of $2,000.00 with the first task order issued against each awarded contract, as the minimum for the entire contract period. Minimum and Maximum ordering limits shall be in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.216-19, Ordering Limitations. The estimated CLIN quantities are not guaranteed, but are realistic expectations based on past allocations and future projected funding allocations. The quantities specified in the schedule are estimates only and are not purchased by this contract. If the Government’s requirements do not result in orders in the quantities described as “estimated” or “maximum” in the schedule, that fact shall not constitute the basis for an equitable price adjustment.

B.3 SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Item No. Description Price/Cost

0001 Seed Project Price $

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 Description of Work

The geographical limitations of this contract will include any facilities, property, or buildings located within the USDA/ARS Plains Area, which includes the following locations: Akron, CO, Fort Collins, CO, Miles City, MT, Sidney, MT, Brookings, SD, Clay Center, NB, Lincoln, NB, Fargo, ND, Grand Forks, ND, Mandan, ND, El Reno, OK, Las Cruces, NM, Manhattan, KS, Stillwater, OK, Woodward, OK, Bushland TX, College Station, TX, Houston, TX, Kerrville, TX, Lubbock, TX, and Temple, TX. The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, equipment, and materials in accordance with the requirements of this contract to perform all operations in connection with the construction program for MEP. ARS’s mission is to satisfy the individual requirements of this diverse client base, but also consider solutions that may result in increased efficiencies and potential cost savings for the USDA at large.

The use of this multiple award IDIQ contract vehicle will allow ARS to have the ability to execute a broad range of MEP maintenance, repair or new construction for the Plains Area. Task Orders issued under this IDIQ will possibly stem architect and engineering (A&E) designs or internally USDA generated, and will be accompanied by a specific task order Scope of Work (SOW). All work performed shall be in accordance with industrial, municipal, and commercial codes/standards.

C.1.1 Contract shall provide design, repair, alteration, environmental remediation, and maintenance for MEP projects by means of an IDIQ contract. Each awarded IDIQ contract shall be for one (1) five-year ordering period for a total of sixty (60) months. Performance shall be ordered through the issuance of competitive individual task orders, through the process defined in C.2.

C.2 Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP) Process

C.2.1 Ordering Period.

The ordering period is identified in C.1.1, one (1) five-year ordering period for a total of sixty (60) months for each awarded contract.

C2.2 Period of Performance for Task Orders.

Each task order shall have an identified period of performance factoring in such conditions as the amount of effort required, seasonal aspects and construction considerations. No task orders shall be issued beyond the last day of the ordering period of the contract. Task orders issued within the contract period of performance shall be completed no later than one (1) year after the contract has expired.

C.2.3 Authority to place Task Orders.

The Plains Area Administrative Office (PAAO) is delegated authority to award and administer task orders under this MATOC IDIQ. The ARS Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) reserves the right to delegate this authority to other Contracting Officers within the PAAO. The Contracting Officer (CO) is an agent of the Government and the only official authorized to enter into a contract or binding agreement for the Government. Any change to the contract will be made in writing via contract modification by the Contracting Officer. The Contract Administrator/Specialist/Buyer is the person responsible for administering this contract and reports to the CO, if other than the CO. Government representatives other than the CO are not authorized to take any action that alters the contract. The ARS Procuring Contracting Officer is responsible for the base contract, including any changes to terms and conditions.

C.2.3.1 Task Order Contracting Officers.

The Task Order Contracting Officer is responsible for serving as the contracting focal point for coordination and awarding the task orders for the end user; ensure the task order requirements are within the contract scope; preparing any required Contract Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations;

execute any required task order modifications; perform any administrative or action associated with the issued task order; and perform any potential required task order close outs.

C.2.3.2 Task Order Contracting Officer’s Representative The Task Order Contracting Officer shall appoint any required Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in accordance with required thresholds. The COR will define requirements; accomplish day-to-day surveillance of contractor performance; review invoices; submit any required CPARS evaluations. The Task Order Contracting Officer shall ensure the COR is certified through the CSOD and IAS software. The COR has no authority to bind the Government or make any contractual changes to the contract. The COR authority is limited to the delegated tasks identified in the COR appointment letter.

C.2.4 Task Order Statement of Work.

The task order Statement of Work (SOW) shall identify the entire need and address those needs with statements describing the required design and construction in terms of output. The requirements should be stated in clear, concise, easily understood, and measurable terms. Requirements may allow the contractor latitude to work in a manner suited for innovation and creativity (within industry standards).

At a minimum, the SOW should address the work performed, location of the work, period of performance, Notice to Proceed (NTP), performance and payment bonds, schedules, applicable standards, acceptable criteria, drawings and specifications, and any special requirements. Contractor may be required to further understand the SOW through the use of site visit clarifications and troubleshooting through a request for information (RFI) process.

C.2.5 Funding.

Contract funding shall be authorized at the Task Order level and shall be the type deemed appropriate for the construction project intended. No unfunded task orders are authorized. The funding required to satisfy the guaranteed minimum shall be satisfied by issuing the first task order to obligate the guaranteed minimum for each awarded MATOC. Contractors shall only invoice for the guaranteed minimum if they do not receive a task order during the first year of the five-year ordering period. ** Note that potentially the majority of task orders could be issued in the 4th (final) quarter of the fiscal year (1 July- 30 September) when funding is readily available. Contractors shall prepare for the possibility of a larger workload in the 4th quarter**

C.2.6 Task Order Types The multiple award MEP construction IDIQ contract shall issue lump sum firm-fixed-price (FFP) task orders, after completion of the competitive task order process referenced in C.2.8. Task Orders will be awarded in accordance with FAR 16.505 Ordering. A firm-fixed-price order provides for a price that is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor’s cost experience in performing the contract. This places upon the contractor maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or loss.

C.2.7 Ordering Limitations.

The Government’s guaranteed minimum obligation under this MATOC is $2,000 per award (for the entire ordering period). The minimum task order amount for MEP construction covered by this contract shall not be an amount less than $2,000. The Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish requirements for less than this amount per FAR 52.216-19 Order Limitations. The maximum order the contractor is obligated to honor is (1) Any single Task Order in excess of $3,000,000;

(2) Any Task Order for combination of items in excess of $8,000,000; or (3) A series of Task Orders issued within 30 days that together call for the quantities exceeding the limitation in (1) or (2).

C.2.8 Request for Task Order Proposal.

The Task Order Contracting Officer shall solicit a response for MEP construction requirements in written format. A Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP) should be prepared and issued for each task order requirement in writing. The RTOP and supporting documents should clearly define the following: the requirement; instructions for completing a response to the request; additional clauses/provisions unique to the task order; period of performance; CLIN structure.

The RTOP for MEP construction work may require contractor understanding by utilization of a site visit and/or the Government will provide the detailed design specifications. The Government may provide formal A&E design specifications or USDA internally created scope of work. Any discussions or clarifications regarding the scope definition or specification does not bind the Government, unless incorporated into the specification by amendment to the RTOP or formal modification to the task order.

Task orders will include the Construction Wage Rates Requirements (CWRR) Determination for the location of the work to be performed. Multiple task orders may be awarded with similar completion dates and overlapping schedules.

Task Orders issued against this MATOC shall be competitive. In accordance with FAR 16.505, each awardee will be given fair opportunity to be considered for each task order issued over the micro-purchase threshold unless exception(s) apply in accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2). Each task order shall be priced individually on a firm-fixed-price basis. The cost for preparation of task order proposals shall be the responsibility of the Contractor and not directly reimbursable to the Government.

Offerors attendance at site visits is considered vital to preparation of competitive and cost-effective offers, and to understanding the total results desired by the Government, therefore it is highly recommended that awardees attend all site visits for task order solicitations. Contractors will be given adequate time to review the specifications, including applicable drawings for each task order, prior to inspecting the job site. Any deficiencies, conflicts, or other areas for concern in the existing specifications and applicable drawings should be brought to the attention of the Task Order Contracting Officer in writing. The contractor shall also notify the Task Order Contracting Officer, in writing, upon observing any features in the SOW and specifications that appear to be ambiguous, confusing, conflicting, or erroneous. Failure to attend a site visit may not be used as an excuse for omission or miscalculation in proposals. The contractor shall not be reimbursed for proposal preparation, attendance during discussions, site visits, walk through or other pre-task order costs.

Submission of an offer is not mandatory; however, Contractors shall furnish a “No Proposal/Offer Letter” response no later than two (2) business days prior to the proposal due date including a brief statement as the reason(s) why they chose not to respond. Contract holders are expected, in good faith, to participate in the task order competitions, and if successful, to deliver quality projects on time and on cost, to include management and supervision of subcontractors. Contractors shall respond by submitting a proposal to the Contracting Officer in accordance with requirements of the RTOP by the due date and time stated.

The proposal shall include all charges the Contractor intends to recover in connection with the completion of work on the proposed task order, whether or not specifically listed in the pricing schedule. The Government reserves the right to reject any and all proposals received. Competition is a major focus of this MATOC; therefore, awardees are required to propose a minimum of one (1) effort per four (4) consecutive RTOPs or at least one (1) RTOP response per 4-month period; whichever comes later. At this point the contractor will be considered dormant, and the Government reserves the right to terminate for convenience for lack of participation in submitting proposals. Contractors in the MATOC program are reminded that participation in the MATOC includes submitting proposals and by not submitting proposals in response to a RTOP the contractor is thereby refusing to participate.

Contractors shall submit a complete price break down in their task order proposal detailing costs for each major construction task to include but not limited to profit, overhead, materials, equipment, etc. Offerors shall include supporting material and equipment price quotes of major task items to be utilized. Offeror pricing breakdown will be in the format of Attachment 9, unless specifically altered in the RTOP by the Task Order Contracting Officer. Contractors that fail to provide the required breakout or supporting material quote documentation may be considered nonresponsive and ineligible for task order award.

C.2.8.1 Task Order Proposal Evaluation Method and Procedures The Government will identify the evaluation method and applicable factors in each individually issued RTOP. The evaluation method used will identify the basis for selecting an awardee for each task order.

Each RTOP will specify how the award decision will be made. The basis for award may be based on both price and non-priced factors, with the Task Order awarded to the Contractor offering the best value to the Government. Applicable evaluation methods shall be on the “Best Value” continuum ranging from price only, Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA), or Tradeoff. The Government reserves the right to accept other than the lowest priced offer, as prescribed in the applicable task order evaluation criteria. If the Government determines to issue a Task Order as a best value utilizing the “tradeoff” process, award factors will vary depending on the unique requirements of each task order. Examples of possible criteria that may be evaluated (but not limited to), in addition to price or cost could be past performance, quality of deliverables, ability to meet schedule, relevant experience, cost control, current workload, design, contractors technical understanding of the work, most efficient and effective plan, sustainable design features, etc. If the Government and the MATOC contractors fail to reach a fair and reasonable price after competition, it is the sole discretion of the Government that they may procure the requirement from another contract vehicle or method.

C.2.8.1.1 If an Offeror believes that it was not fairly considered for particular task order, the contractor may present a complaint to the Task Order Contracting Officer. The contractor may appeal the explanation or decision of the Task Order Contracting Officer to the appropriate USDA Ombudsman. In accordance with FAR 16.505(a)(10) no -protests under subpart 33.1 are authorized in connection with the issuance of an order. None of the exceptions for protests are applicable to this procurement, because none of the orders shall exceed the required protest dollar thresholds. The Contracting Officer shall provide unsuccessful offerors a brief award decision explanation, but no formal debriefing is required under FAR 16.505.

C.2.9 Task Order Pricing Task Order pricing will be based upon the competition process identified in section C.2.8, pricing breakdown will be in the format of Attachment 9, unless specifically altered in the RTOP by the Task Order Contracting Officer.

C.2.10 Bonding Requirements Performance and Payment Bonds will be issued for individual task orders. The Contractor will submit any required performance and payment bonds after the individual task order is issued/awarded. Task Order bonding thresholds are identified in FAR 28.102 and will be in accordance with FAR 52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds – Construction. Performance and Payments bonds shall be priced for actual costs per task order, at the time of the Request for Task Order Proposal.

C.2.11 Task Order Wage Determination.

The Task Order Contracting Officer shall incorporate the most up to date version of Construction Wage Rate Requirement (CWRR) Wage Determination for the applicable location into each Task Order issued.

All Task Orders shall be subject to the FAR 52.222-6 Construction Wage Rate Requirements.

C.2.12 Task Order Liquidated Damages.

The Task Order Contracting Officer shall make the determination if FAR 52.211-12 Liquidated Damages – Construction is required for each individual Task Order. The Task Order Contracting Officer shall make the Liquidated Damages known in the Request for Task Order Proposal, so the Contractor can plan and price each Task Order accordingly. There is not a blanket Liquidated Damages rate that covers the entire contract, these are to be applied on a case by case, or as needed basis on individual Task Orders.

C.3 PERMITS AND LICENSES

Pursuant to FAR 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities, the Contractor shall obtain all required permits, licenses, and authorizations to perform work under this contract and comply with all the applicable Federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

C.4 DIRECTIVES, INSTRUCTIONS AND REFERENCES

Only the Contracting Officer shall issue directives/instructions defining the roles and responsibilities and appointment of a Contracting Officer Representative (COR); Location Monitor (LM); Project Manager (PM);

Occupational Health & Safety Manager and/or any other functional appointment as deemed necessary for the scope of work.

C.5 WORK MANAGEMENT

The Contractor shall manage the total work effort associated with the services required in each task order to meet the performance objectives and standards. Such management includes but is not limited to planning, scheduling, cost accounting, report preparation, establishing and maintaining records, and quality control. The Contractor shall provide a staff with the necessary management expertise to assure performance objectives and standards are met.

C.6 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Materials and equipment may not be stored at the jobsite lay down area after work hours unless approved in advance by the Contracting Officer. There will not be office space available at any location. All job site lay down areas are dependent upon Task Order size and location of the work. Job site availability will be identified with each RTOP.

C.7 SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS/UTILITY OUTAGES

If any utilities or other services must be discontinued (even temporarily) due to scheduled contract work, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer Representative ten calendar days in advance to allow notification of affected tenants and customers. If the discontinued service is due to an emergency breakdown the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer Representative as soon as practicable.

At a minimum, include the location of the outage, utilities being affected, duration of outage and any necessary sketches. Once approved, and prior to beginning work on the utility system requiring shut down, attend a pre-outage coordination meeting with the Contracting Officer to review the scope of work and the lock-out/tag-out procedures for worker protection. No work will be performed on energized electrical circuits unless proof is provided that no other means exist.

C.8 OSHA

Contractor must maintain a workplace and ensure that workplace conditions conform to applicable OSHA standards.

C.9 KEY PERSONNEL

The Contractor shall confirm to the Contracting Officer the List of Key Personnel and their qualifications provided as part of the base contract submittals. The contractor will provide any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer to certify their qualifications. The Contractor shall submit to the Contracting Officer a finalized organization chart showing the lines of authority of key personnel and on-site supervisor(s) for this contract. The chart shall include names of personnel and their position title in this contract. At a minimum it shall identify the Project Manager and onsite supervisors and who they will report directly to for this contract. The Contractor shall identify the personnel able to bind the Contractor contractually.

C.10 EMPLOYEE REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor shall provide experienced, qualified, and capable personnel to perform the work in this contract. Personnel shall be fully knowledgeable of all safety and environmental requirements associated with the work they perform. Competent personnel shall be provided as required by each task order. Contractor staff may be required to obtain a USDA Linc Pass badge. Documents need to obtain the Linc Pass shall be provided by the Government after award. All workers are required to be US citizens or properly documented workers.

C.11 PRIME CONTRACTOR SITE SUPERINTENDENCE

The Contractor shall provide an on-site superintendent for every task order. The site superintendent shall be employed and work directly for the prime contractor. On-site representation from the prime contractor during construction activities is mandatory, regardless of the type/magnitude of the work being performed by subcontractors. The prime contractor site superintendent may have other duties and may hold “dual hat” responsibilities, but superintendent duties are the first priority of the superintendent. The task order contracting officer shall be the only authorized person to waive this requirement (in writing) on a per task order basis.

C.12 EMPLOYEE CONDUCT/REMOVAL OF EMPLOYEES

Contractor employees and Subcontractor employees shall conduct themselves in a proper, efficient, courteous and businesslike manner. The Contractor shall remove from the site any individual whose continued employment is deemed by the Contracting Officer to be contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the best interests of Agricultural Research Service. The Contracting Officer has the final say in this matter.

C.13 QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall establish and implement a thorough Quality Control (QC) Plan that identifies potential and actual problem areas in executing requirements of the contract as specified and results in corrective action throughout the life of the contract. The QC Plan shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer for approval 14 working days prior to the start of contract performance and shall be updated thereafter to maintain an effective and efficient quality control program. Control measures and features defining QC activities must be specified and metrics developed to ensure adequate program monitoring. Contractor may utilize Quality Control staff in a dual hat scenario, assuming their role is clearly identified when they are performing QC. Additionally, dual hat individuals shall not inspect their own work, and shall not have supervisor authority over those in which they are inspecting to avoid a conflict of interest. The Government has the right to inspect all services called for by this contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform these inspections in a manner that will not unduly delay the work. Any changes to the QC Plan shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer a minimum of five working days prior to implementation. Written acceptance or non-acceptance of proposed changes will be provided to the Contractor by the Contracting Officer. The QC Plan:

- Shall be structured to assure independent inspections of the Contractor’s work performance;

- Shall have direct accountability to the Contractor’s top management;

- Shall address overall project management and administration;

- Shall be a comprehensive program to plan and deliver quality services to the Government;

-Shall cover all services described in this contract, prioritize, and concentrate on the most important services;

- Shall describe a method acceptable to the Government of identifying deficiencies in the quality of services performed under this Contract before the level of performance becomes unacceptable and address processes for corrective actions without dependence upon Government direction;

- Shall establish an inspection system covering all services required by this contract. This shall specify areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis and the title of the individual who will do the inspection;

- Shall contain specific quality control techniques for contract services identified in the Inspection of Services Clause. The quality control methods shall be comprehensive and adaptable to the reporting systems of the QCP;

- Shall require documentation of all Contractor quality control inspections and corrective actions be maintained by the Contractor throughout the term of this contract. Inspection documents shall be made available to the Contracting Officer or designated representative within 2 working days upon request;

- Shall describe methods of direct and indirect communications with the Government regarding performance of the contract. Informal communications shall be addressed.

C.14 STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (AGAR 452.211-72) (FEB 1988)

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

(End of Clause)

C.15 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (AGAR 452.211-74) (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2029.

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

D.1 (FOR THIS SOLICITATION, THERE ARE NO CLAUSES IN THIS SECTION).

SECTION E - INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (52.252-2) (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://acquisition.gov

I. FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

CLAUSE TITLE DATE

52.246-12 Inspection of Construction AUG 1996 52.246-13 Inspection – Dismantling, Demolition, or Removal of Improvements AUG 1996

E.2 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE (AGAR 452.246-70) (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection will be performed at: the location of each individual task order Acceptance will be performed at: See (b) above.

E.3 FINAL INSPECTION

(a) A final inspection shall be made only when all the materials have been furnished, all the work has been performed, and all the construction provided for by the contract has been completed in accordance with the terms, conditions, specifications, and drawings set forth in this contract. If, upon examination by the Contracting Officer, his/her designated representative, and Government inspection personnel, the project is determined not sufficiently completed to have warranted a final inspection, the Contractor may be held financially liable for any additional cost of re-inspection when material and workmanship are not ready at the time specified by the Government for project inspection.

(b) Contractor shall give the Contracting Officer ten (10) calendar days advance notice, in writing, of the date the work will be fully completed and ready for final inspection.

(c) The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor of any discrepancies and/or omissions noted at the final inspection by providing a "punchlist" as to the discrepancies/omissions, replacement of materials and performance or re-performance of any unsatisfactory work necessary for final acceptance. This notification shall not in any way be deemed an extension of the contract completion date. If all construction required by the contract is found completed and all contractual documents (i.e. payrolls, shop/as-builts/red-line drawings, release from claims, etc.) have been submitted, the Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor of such in writing by processing the final payment for the project.

(d) Acceptance shall be final and conclusive, except for latent defects, fraud, or such gross mistakes as may amount to fraud, or regarding the Government’s right under any warranty or guarantee.

E.4 FINAL ACCEPTANCE

Upon written notification that all deficiencies identified during the final inspection have been corrected, the Contracting Officer will schedule a final acceptance inspection of the work. If all construction required by the contract is determined to be complete and all requisite contract deliverables (e.g., certified payroll records, as-built drawings, warranty documents, operations and maintenance manuals, etc.) have been submitted and approved by the Government, the Contracting Officer shall notify the Contractor in writing of such acceptance.

Acceptance shall be final and conclusive except for latent defects, fraud, gross mistakes amounting to fraud, or the Government’s rights under any warranty or guarantee.

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FAR 52.252-2) (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this address: http://acquisition.gov

NUMBER TITLE DATE

52.236-15 Schedules for Construction Contracts APR 1984 52.242-14 Suspension of Work APR 1984

F.2 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES – CONSTRUCTION (FAR 52.211-12)(SEP 2000)

(a) If the Contractor fails to complete the work within the time specified in the contract, the Contractor shall pay liquidated damages to the Government in the amount determined by the specific Request for Task Order Proposal (RTOP) for each calendar day of delay until the work is completed or accepted.

(b) If the Government terminates the Contractor’s right to proceed, liquidated damages will continue to accrue until the work is completed. These liquidated damages are in addition to excess costs of repurchase under the Termination clause.

(End of clause)

F.3 COMMENCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (FAR 52.211-10) (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to:

(a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the task order notice to proceed,

(b) prosecute the work diligently, and

(c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than number of days listed on the task order after receipt of the notice to proceed. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

SECTION G - CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be designated after contract award, and for each Task Order as applicable. The contractor will be notified by letter of the name and duties of the COR.

G.2 TASK ORDER CLOSEOUT

(a) Closeout Procedures:

(1) Comply with provisions in conditions of RTOP/Task Order relating to submittals prior to substantial completion, or Owner's use of completed portions of work.

(2) Provide submittals required by governing authorities.

(b) Cleaning:

(1) Execute cleaning during progress of work and at completion of work.

(2) Reference other specification sections for additional specific work.

(3) Maintain premises and public properties free from accumulations of waste, debris, and rubbish caused by operations.

(4) At completion of work, remove waste materials, rubbish, tools, equipment, machinery, and surplus materials:

a. Clean all sight-exposed surfaces.

b. Leave project clean and ready for occupancy or use.

c. All floors are to be broom and wet-mop cleaned.

(5) Areas disturbed during construction operations shall be restored generally to match conditions existing prior to start of work.

(c) Project Record Drawings:

(1) Maintain documents in clean, dry, legible condition.

(2) Make documents available at all times for inspection by COR, CO, and other individuals as may be designated by the CO.

(3) Label each document "Project Record."

(4) Keep record documents current.

(5) Do not conceal work until required information has been recorded.

(6) At completion of work, and before final acceptance, submit as-built drawings in accordance with special contract requirements.

(d) Operating and Maintenance Manuals:

(1) System Demonstration

a. Prior to final inspection demonstrate operation of each system to the COR, CO, and other individuals as may be designated by the CO.

b. Instruct designated Government personnel in operation, adjustment, and maintenance of equipment and systems, using the operation and maintenance data as the basis of instruction.

(2) Warranties and Bonds:

a. Submit warranties and maintenance bonds prior to final application for payment.

(e) Submit within ten days after date of substantial completion. For items of work delayed materially beyond date of substantial completion, provide updated submittal within ten days after acceptance, listing date of acceptance as start of warranty period. Substantial completion is defined as the stage in the progress of the SOW when the work or designated portion thereof is sufficiently complete in accordance with the Contract Documents so that the Owner can occupy or utilize the area for its intended use.

G.3 AS-BUILT DRAWINGS

On completion of each task order (if required), one set of paper specifications, one print and one plastic reproducible of each of the contract drawings, and one hard copy and one set of digital PDF or AutoCAD format of each of the contract drawings accompanying those specifications shall be neatly and clearly marked in red to show all variations between the construction actually provided and that indicated or specified and delivered to the CO. Where a choice of materials and/or methods is permitted, the as-built drawings shall define the construction actually provided. Representation of such variation shall conform to standard drafting practice and include such supplementary notes, legends and details as may be necessary. The contractor shall stamp the term RECORD DOCUMENTS, date and sign all plastic reproducible, drawings and volumes of marked specifications. Legibility and clear portrayal of the as-built construction and marked prints shall be subject to approval by the Contracting Officer with the recommended approval of the Area Office Engineer.

G.4 RELEASE FROM CLAIMS

The Contractor shall complete and submit a release of all claims against the Government arising under and by virtue of the task, final payment will not be released without the release of claims submission for each task order.

Release of claims submission shall be similar to the following with the final invoice/billing request:

For and in consideration for the receipt of final payment in the amount of $ under and pursuant to Task Order No. , the undersigned hereby releases the Government from any and all obligations whatsoever arising under said task order.

Name, Title, and Signature of Contractor DATE

G.5 Contractor Performance Information and Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)

(FAR 42.1502)

(a) General. Past performance evaluations shall be prepared at least annually and at the time the work under a contract or order is completed. Past performance evaluations are required for contracts and orders as specified in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section, including contracts and orders performed outside the United States.

These evaluations are generally for the entity, division, or unit that performed the contract or order. Past performance information shall be entered into CPARS, the Government wide evaluation reporting tool for all past performance reports on contracts and orders. Instructions for submitting evaluations into CPARS are available at http://www.cpars.gov/. The CPARS will be completed on the base award IDIQ annually, and any task order meeting the thresholds identified in FAR 42.1502.

(b) Past performance evaluations shall be prepared for each construction contract of $700,000 or more, and for each construction contract terminated for default regardless of contract value. Past performance evaluations may also be prepared for construction contracts below $700,000.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 INSURANCE COVERAGE-ALT 1 (AGAR 452.228-71) (NOV 1996)

Pursuant to FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, the Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable

Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability.

(1) The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(2) The Contractor shall have property damage liability insurance shall be required in the amount of $1.0 million per occurrence.

(c) Automobile Liability. The Contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on a comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the con contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss.

(d) Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger injury. Coverage for passenger injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

H.2 PROHIBITION AGAINST THE USE OF LEAD-BASED PAINT (AGAR 452.236-71) (NOV 1996)

Neither the Contractor nor any subcontractor performing under this contract shall use paints containing more than 0.06 of 1 percent lead by weight (calculated as lead metal) in the total nonvolatile content of the paint, or the equivalent measure of lead in the dried film of paint already applied, or both.

H.3 USE OF PREMISES (AGAR 452.236-72) (NOV 1996)

Before any camp, quarry, borrow pit, storage, detour, or bypass site, other than shown on the drawings, is opened or operated on USDA land or lands administered by the USDA, the Contractor shall obtain written permission from the Contracting Officer. A camp is interpreted to include the campsite or trailer parking area of any employee working on the project for the Contractor.

Unless accepted elsewhere in the contract, the Contractor shall (i) provide and maintain sanitation facilities for the workforce at the site and (ii) dispose of solid waste in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations.

H.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORIC SITES (AGAR 452.236-73) (FEB 1988)

If a previously unidentified archaeological or historic site(s) is encountered, the Contractor shall discontinue work in the general area of the site(s) and notify the Contracting Officer immediately.

H.5 CONTROL OF EROSION, SEDIMENTATION AND POLLUTION (AGAR 452.236-74) (NOV 1996)

(a) Operations shall be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion of soils and to prevent silting and muddying of streams, rivers, irrigation systems, and impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, etc.)

(b) Pollutants such as fuels, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, and other harmful materials shall not be discharged on the ground; into or nearby rivers, streams, and impoundments; or into natural or man-made channels. Wash water or waste from concrete or aggregate operations shall not be allowed to enter live streams prior to treatment by filtration, settling, or other means sufficient to reduce the sediment content to not more than that of the stream into which it is discharged.

(c) Mechanized equipment shall not be operated in flowing streams without written approval by the Contracting Officer.

H.6 MAXIMUM WORKWEEK - CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (AGAR 452.236-75) (NOV 1996)

Within 10 (ten) calendar days after receipt of a written request from the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must submit the following information in writing for approval:

A schedule as required by FAR clause 52.236-15, "Schedules for Construction Contracts" and

The hours (including the daily starting and stopping times) and days of the week the Contractor proposes to carry out the work.

The maximum workweek that will be approved is 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon. thru Fri., excluding Federal holidays.

MAXIMUM WORKWEEK - CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE (SUPPLEMENT)

The following applies to all work performed on Government-owned property:

(a) Listed below are official Government holidays:

New Year’s Day January 1* Martin L. King Birthday Third Monday in January President's Day Third Monday in February Memorial Day Last Monday in May Juneteenth As indicated Independence Day July 4* Labor Day First Monday in September Columbus Day Second Monday in October Veterans Day November 11* Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November Christmas Day December 25*

Inauguration Day January 20* (for Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (WDCMA))

If a Sunday, the next succeeding day is selected.

*In accordance with Federal regulations, if these holidays fall on a Saturday, the holiday will be observed on Friday, if Sunday, holiday will be observed on Monday.

The contractor will be required to follow Government procedures for any unscheduled shut down of the Government installation due to weather conditions, security, Government identified emergency health and safety evacuation, etc.

(b) SEVERE WEATHER WARNING REQUIREMENTS: When a severe weather warning has been issued for the area in which construction is being performed, the contractor shall immediately take action to tie down, or otherwise secure structures, materials, and equipment on the job site that could become airborne as a result of strong winds, thunderstorms, rain or other weather…